Awakenings from Then ’til Now allows you to Embrace Your Past, Empower the Present, Enrich Your Future.

Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Photograph In My Mind

Awakenings welcomes Terry Shepherd into the spotlight. My communication with Terry is through her blog featuring, in her own words, "inspirational stories that touch your heart and soul." I totally agree with her having visited her blogsite many, many times.Upon reading a very special poem of Terry's, I asked her to tell us a little about herself and share the poignant poem that is so reflective of the nature of Awakenings.

Terry, as with most writers, there is usually some form of inspiration. Tell us what inspires you to write?

What inspires me to write is knowing people's hearts. I don't think it is a talent. I just think I am compassionate. I
actually started writing because it is God's will. I have one book that
is about to be published. I am writing two more. Next Sunday if all goes
well I have been invited to be a guest on a radio talk show through
Skype to talk about Parkinson's Disease. Since I have been a caregiver for 23 years I have seen a lot of pain, a traumatic sense of loss and too much death. On the other hand, I have seen families come closer together due to illness and/or severe pain.

Are you working on a book outside of the blogosphere? If so, tell us a little about it and perhaps other projects you have on the writing board.

Dahlia is finished! What a terrific feeling! It is about a young girl with disabilities. She is blind. It is about how life
can still be achieved, dreams can still be realized if we only want it bad
enough.Two more books are on the writing board. One is the story and life history of my brother from birth to
date, My Brother's Parkinson's Journey. It reflects many sad things, such as abuse and kidnapping. It
speaks of truths behind closed doors. The other, My View Backwards, depicts my life story surrounding my birth and my life as a young child.

Do you have any special feelings you would like to share on America?I always feel like we, as Americans, are eager to send our men and women
to protect us, but we don't offer them protection when they return home. I have worked
in a VA hospital and spent many hours with Veterans. They are lonely
and love to talk about their past lives, lost loves, children and of course, comrades in arms. The fear in their eyes is very keen when they speak of war. There were many times I witnessed tears as they returned to civilian life to only feel lost
within the system.Do you have a special dedication for the poetry you want to share today? A lot of what I write about is real people living real lives. Life is not a fairy tale and all too often there isn't a happily ever after. So, I dedicate this poem to the wonderful old Vets sitting in the VA hospitals, looking forward to very little and waiting, not always patiently, to die.

Photograph In My Mind

by Terry Shepherd

Please don’t cryWhen I turn a wayFor I must goAnd this you knowI have to doWhat is right for meI must serveIn the militaryPlease dry your eyesAnd smile for meLet me savorIt in memory.05/03/2013Terry Shepherd

With Memorial Day to be celebrated this weekend, the timing for this introduction to Terry Shepherd has been perfect. As you move closer to the weekend and become involved in celebration planning, remain mindful of what this holiday truly represents. It is not just picnics and soda pops, cake and ice cream, beach ball and surf boards! It is a day of remembrance: the last Monday in May on which those who died in active military service are remembered.

Thank you, Terry, for sharing your poignant poem and insight into your upcoming books. I encourage all to pay Terry a visit at her blogterry1954and be sure to leave a comment to let her know you stopped by for a visit.

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About Me

Sharla is a graduate of Troy State University and an educator with a flair for writing in poetic verse. Her latest book, Awakenings from Then ’til Now is available from Tate Publishing. It is dedicated to those who laid the foundation and established the platform for our American freedom: those who have served in the past, presently serve, or will serve our military forces in the future. A profound appreciation is extended for the sacrifice of these brave men and women who left or will leave their homes and family to ensure America’s freedom endures.

A grave price is being paid every moment of every day of the year for all the freedom America has to offer. Let us not forget those who have fought or are fighting for our nation; they are the epitome of the human spirit called freedom!